Clipper Round the World Yacht Race fleet contemplate tactics

Clipper 2011-12 Round the World Yacht Race fleet are on day ten of race thirteen from Nova Scotia to Derry-Londonderry. The teams are busy studying weather files and contemplating tactics once again, in a bid to find the fastest route to the finish line in Northern Ireland.

Clipper Race Director, Jonathan Bailey said, 'Over the weekend the Clipper Race fleet has been navigating its way around ex-tropical storm ‘Chris’ which has given headwinds to many of the yachts and slowing progress rather than the more traditional downwind conditions associated with this leg of the race.

'Some of the yachts have stayed north of the eye of the tropical storm but several have managed to get below the eye into stronger winds from a more favourable direction. This tactical decision to go south of the eye has opened up some interesting scenarios as the fleet approach the Irish coast, so the next few days will be very interesting.'

Echoing the race director’s thoughts, Welcome to Yorkshire skipper, Rupert Dean explains, 'Of all the ocean legs to date on the Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race, the race across the North Atlantic appears to be the most complex and unusual from both a meteorological and tactical perspective. Whilst this 'game' makes great viewing for the fans back home, from the navigator's perspective I can tell you it's a real headache!'

The Yorkshire entry was overtaken by Gold Coast Australia overnight and is currently in second place, while Singapore is back in third place after sorting its tangled halyards that caused frustration yesterday.

Frontrunner Gold Coast Australia completed the Ocean Sprint in 13 hours 31 minutes 31 seconds, setting the current time to beat, bettering rival Singapore’s time by 30 minutes. The team sprinting the distance the fastest will get an additional point which can have huge influence in the overall leader board, as the race is nearing completion.

With only four weeks to go until Race Finish in Southampton on 22 July, preparations are in full swing. The Ageas Bowl, the home of Hampshire Cricket is offering Clipper Race followers the chance to win tickets to Hampshire Royals vs. Essex Eagles, Friends Life t20 game on Sunday 8 July. Click here for more details.

With the leading the frontrunners just over 900 miles from shore, the Clipper Race fleet is set to start arriving into Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland, between 29 June and 1 July.